Monday, May 31, 2010

I thank You for the gift of this child to raise, this life to share, this mind to help mold, this body to nurture, and this spirit to enrich. Let me never betray this child’s trust, dampen this child’s hope, or discourage this child’s dreams. Help me, dear God, to help this precious child become all you mean him to be. Let your grace and love fall on him like gentle breezes and give him inner strength and peace and patience for the journey ahead.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

I was provided several different sizes of Fuji EnviroMAX Batteries to review. Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are designed to be enviornmentally respectful. I was extremely impressed of how long they last. I was expecting green batteries not to have much power for some reason. However, I discovered quite the opposite! I have six children at home so batteries are as valuable (no actually more valuable) as gold! Lasting power is extremely important.

The true test of these batteries was my ten year old son, a little $20 digital camera and a trip to the zoo. The camera always sucked down the batteries before the pictures could be downloaded and with this camera, if the batteries die before the download...the pictures are lost forever! I gave my ten year old the same ole speech.....remember...don’t get upset if the batteries fail... He took pictures all day long, kept the camera on most of the day, downloaded the camera, created a cute little book of pictures of his zoo trip, took yet MORE pictures, downloaded yet even more, and yet the batteries are still good! This was the very first time any batteries have lasted through one downloading, even those very expensive electronic batteries. My son is still using the camera and I am looking forward to more wonderful picture.

These batteries seriously impressed this busy mom of six! And green! Living Green is very important to me. These batteries are mercury, cadmium and PVC free, packaged with 75 % recycled materials, and may be disposed of in most landfills. Fuji–I am sold on your new batteries!Here are a couple of the photos my ten year old took while we were at the zoo:

Heat the oil in a deep skillet until hot. 350º to 375º using a thermometer or add a drop of batter. If it bubbles up the oil is ready.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk, vanilla, and eggs; whisk until smooth.

Transfer the batter to a gallon-size resealable Ziploc bag (Ziplocs have the best seal for this), remove the excess air and seal the top. Use scissors to snip off a corner to make a 1/4-inch-wide hole. Carefully squeeze 1/2 to 1 cup batter back and forth into the oil making a swirly web.

Let funnel cake cook in oil for about 2 minutes or until golden brown then turn with tongs and cook about 1 minute on the other side.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Beautifully illustrated by Tim Gillette, and written by Edward and Sarah Bolme this delightful series of board books specifically for youngsters is perfect for introducing babies and toddler to God’s Word! Baby Bible Board Books are sturdy, colorful, spiritual and the perfect size for little hands. I received this book, Jesus Heals a Little Girl, as a gift for review.

The illustrations are made with bright colors and simple images which easily keep my three year old daughter’s attention. At the end of the short book Exodus 5:26 is quoted: "I am the Lord who heals you." I would recommend this book to anyone with young children. This book has apparently become a permanent fixture in our family vehicle!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Lord God, you are my strength. Hold my hand in my weakness and teach my heart to fly. With you, there's nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. Hold me tight in your embrace, so that I can be stronger than the challenges in my life. Amen.

I'd like to share a few prayers I have found on-line with you. This is just the first. I found this at Eliza's Prayer Box.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Non-toxic, odorless, water-based, hypo-allergenic Nail Polish and Remover? Yeah, right! Okay, I will try it. My three girls will put Piggy Paint to the test. When I received this product for review my three girls went WILD! We were gifted a yellow polish and a bottle of polish remover. All three girls LOVED the polish. There was absolutely no offensive odor at all. None, nope, nada. I was very impressed. The polish lasted as long as regular polishes too.

What impressed me the most was the polish remover! No smell at all! It was awesome! And safe to boot. I usually do not remove my little ones polish I let it wear off because of the chemicals and odor of the remover. This product is truly amazing. Non-toxic, odorless, water-based, hypo-allergenic how can it be any better than that? As a cancer survivor I am cautious what products we use, I can feel very confident with this product. From a mom of six to every mom out there...this is definitely worth it.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Has anyone ever just said something that made you feel good, like you have a purpose and give you more of a desire to do better, try harder, be a better person? My entry yesterday, "The Art of a Compliment" really led me down a thought process. Flashing back to my "pastor's wife days" I remember the teachings of Spiritual Gifts very well. I am thinking particularly about the gift of Exhortation. Those who use this special gift seem to have a knack for saying just the right thing to encourage others to live better/be better.

Let me give you a simple definition of the gift of Exhortation: The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting, and guiding. The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.

People with this gift:- aide the weak in spirit to strengthen them- challenge or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God- urge others to action by applying Biblical truth- motivates others to grow.

In my opinion this gift is an extra special one. (I am not very good at this gift, in case you were wondering.) I had a very good friend growing up who let this gift flow through him. I always admired him greatly for it. To have the ability/knack/gift to say just the right thing to lead others to think, really think about what is truly important. WOW!

What is your gift and how do you use it? If you would like to find out more about Spiritual Gifts here are a few sites that have a very simple (not very thorough though) test you can take on-line to determine what your gift is. I cannot vouch 100% for each of these as I have not taken the test at all three of these.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Our master bath has no air conditioning, heating of exhaust vent and my hubs just loves those hot, steamy showers which create little mildew spots on the ceiling that just completely drive me INSANE! Yes, INSANE. (I know I am a bit odd.) I usually spray a bleach cleaner on the ceiling while straddling the toilet and edge of the bathtub, risking the inevitable fall, then absolutely without fail I have an asthma attack and find I have completely ruined my clothes will those falling drops of bleach. Grr.

I have even considered buying a paint roller and dipping it in bleach and rolling it on the ceiling tiles once a month. I think before long my ceiling will be peeling, flaking and FALLING IN if I go that route. Which led me to my latest internet search...

Mildew

Keep ahead of mildew so it doesn't become a problem. Every six months spray your bathroom ceiling with a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Peroxide is a safe bleach and won't harm the environment or your lungs. Find larger quantities of peroxide at beauty or medical supply stores.

Spray the mixture on and leave it. No need to rinse or scrub. If you currently have mildew, follow the above directions. Wait two hours and respray. Then wait 24 hours and spray a third time if necessary

As a mom to six organization is NOT always easy. Over the years I have made my own chore charts but they always seemed to lack a certain appeal. I was surfing around the web and found this free download at Mod Eco Kids. Well these don't lack anything at all! AND It's FREE!!

Compliments are beneficial not only to the receiver but the giver. Compliments build self-esteem, break the ice, motivate, diffuse stress, inspire, reward, comfort and validate. However, an improperly executed compliment can have negative effects.

First of all, BE SINCERE. The receiver will always know if you are genuine. If it is really a bad haircut, compliment her on her jewelry choices. This is why being specific is so important. Speak from your heart.

BE SPECIFIC. "What a pretty painting. I really like how you gave the detail here in the back. I never would have thought to do that." The more specific your are the more sincere the compliment seems.

BACK IT UP. "That blouse is beautiful. It really brings out the blue in your eyes."

UNCONDITIONAL. "This is a good meal. Except for the mushrooms." It totally turns from a compliment to a complaint.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

I have the urge for change!!! Yes indeedy I do! I am not sure what, how or when but I feel the need for a redo!!! Maybe I should just make it swing toward family life. Who knows but..... THERE JUST MAY BE CHANGES IN STORE HERE!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I cut 4 heads of hair at least once a month.... that's a lot of hair cutting for this mom of six. I go through a lot of cheap clippers. I just cannot bring myself to fork out the $120.oo at the beauty supply shop for just the clipper in addition to each size blade! Well we go through at least two sets of the cheap slippers a year, easy!

Yesterday, I bought the Wahl Color Pro hair cutting kit at Wal-Mart. The clipper combs are color coded for easy identification. The kids can remember their own colors! They worked great but I found a spray can of Wahl "Total Clipper Care" coolant, lubricant and cleaner that just made my day. I know it seems silly but this stuff works! It seems to be a lubricant mixed with compressed air or something but it blows out the debris between the blades and ... WOW! Anyhow. I know I am going on about something silly but this certainly simplified my haircutting last night. I did all four heads in half an hour! WOOT!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Saturday, May 8, 2010

I was thinking about a post and I have ideas you know. shortcuts and cheap ways of doing things to feed a family of eight and clean up after six kids and a hubs. Here's one:

Hot wet dishrags in the fridge? Yep if there is a spill of jelly, meat juicy gunk, strawberry syrup or the other sticky mysterious substance that just makes you stomach rebel against you just get a dish towel or rag wet with very hot tap water and put on the sticky spot in the fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, stovetop or freezer leave it there while you wash the dished or prepare the evenings meal and by the time you are finished the swipe and ALL DONE!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking man who snarled as he stared at me.. He definitely was the most evil person I had ever seen.I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door opened and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'

The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell..' He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As Hegot up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address the court. 'Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine.'

My Lord continued with, 'Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.. This woman is not to be given justice, but rathermercy.' As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all.'

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.. 'This woman is free. The penalty for her has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.' I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?'Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you,~Paid In Full~

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I came home from work to a mostly clean house today! YAY!! It was a wonderful feeling. I have to leave early tomorrow though and I will NOT be coming home to a clean house tomorrow... shucks. Oh well, Seriously how many working moms of lots get to just take a break and take the kids to the brand spanking new McDonalds for McFlurries and a trip to the new AIR CONDITIONED playground. So if I come home to a mess tomorrow... so be it. It was worth it!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

My son, Garit, and I went to our Relay for Life this weekend. The other kids were at a Planetarium show with their Grandparents. Garit decided to go support me and the cause instead. Our county 2010 Relay For Life Raised $293,000 (so far). Country wide Relays raisefunds to donate time, resources, and money to a cause that not only helps to fund cancer research but also goes to help cancer patients who may not have funds for treatment of cancer. This year's theme was "Peace, Love, and Relay" as the theme took on the 1960's theme. Polk County continues to be number one giver to Relay in the nation per capita. Literally thousands showed up for the relay this year. Here are some photos we took of the festivities.

One of the teams, full of Spirit!

Excuse my appearance it was HOT, HOT, HOT and raining!

Some of the entertainment...

One of the Teams decorations...

A two time survivor I met...

Garit and I were both impressed with this ROTC groups mobile kitchen and their enthusiasm!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

We usually form our opinions of others based upon our first impression or our first conversation. We even consider ridiculous things as clothing, vehicles, wealth, home, education and physical appearance. What makes a person a person? Things? Possessions? What kind of hair day it is? Another person’s misguided opinion? Silliness really.

When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 I had an epiphany. There is no possible way of understanding what another person is experiencing. Why do we get so impatient with people? Haven’t you needed compassion and a little leeway before? How critical we are effects all aspects of our lives.

When that old man in the car in front of you is dazing off after the light turns green, before you blare that horn in your rush to get somewhere 30 seconds faster just contemplate... What if.... If that was my father, grandfather, uncle... what if... he recently: lost his wife, was diagnosed with a fatal disease, sold his childhood home to pay for medical bills, learned that his child was dying. Really, we are clueless. But we all have been given compassion by our Father. Use it. Let it grow. Reach out in kindness, compassion and empathy. Love your neighbor. We are all human and frail. Let generosity and compassion start with our thoughts and spread to our actions.